The press secretary, who is from New England and an avowed Patriots fan, said, "That was cool," after Gronkowski disappeared.

Gronkowski was at the White House on Wednesday for the Patriots' visit to commemorate the team's Super Bowl victory earlier this year.

President Donald Trump is also closely tied to several members of the organization, including owner Robert Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick, and quarterback Tom Brady, who all supported the president in last year's election.